76ers' Tyrese Maxey returns vs. Hornets without 5-on-5 practice

Maxey helped lead Philadelphia to a comeback win despite limited preparation.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 10:24am

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Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey returned to action against the Charlotte Hornets, despite not participating in any five-on-five practice drills. Maxey explained that he simply wanted to be there for his team, passing all the necessary medical tests. He went on to score 26 points, dish out 8 assists, and grab 7 rebounds, helping the 76ers rally from a 15-point deficit to secure an important 118-114 road victory.

Why it matters

Maxey's return is a significant boost for the 76ers as they jockey for playoff positioning in the Eastern Conference. The 76ers are currently the No. 7 seed, and Maxey's performance helped them clinch the season series against the Hornets, who are sitting in 10th place.

The details

The 76ers were able to overcome a 15-point second-half deficit to defeat the Hornets 118-114. Maxey, who had missed the previous 10 games due to a right finger tendon injury, was cleared to play despite not participating in any five-on-five practice drills. He explained that he simply wanted to be there for his team, passing all the necessary medical tests. Maxey went on to score 26 points, dish out 8 assists, and grab 7 rebounds, making 10 of his 18 shots. The 76ers also got key contributions from Joel Embiid and Paul George, who were both playing in just their second game back from lengthy absences.

  • Maxey missed the previous 10 games due to a right finger tendon injury.
  • The 76ers secured the 118-114 road win over the Hornets on March 29, 2026.

The players

Tyrese Maxey

A 25-year-old guard for the Philadelphia 76ers who returned to action against the Hornets despite limited practice time.

Joel Embiid

The star center for the Philadelphia 76ers who was playing in just his second game back from a lengthy absence.

Paul George

The veteran forward for the Philadelphia 76ers who was also playing in his second game back from an extended period out.

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What they’re saying

“Like, this morning, if I am being completely honest with you, had to pass all the tests and like talk to different doctors and do all the medical staff told me to do and I played no five-on-five, nothing. I just said, 'you know what? I have been working my tail off and I think you know the team. I want to be there for my team man,'”

— Tyrese Maxey, Philadelphia 76ers Guard

What’s next

The 76ers will look to build on this important road win as they continue their push for a higher playoff seed in the Eastern Conference.

The takeaway

Tyrese Maxey's willingness to return to action without full practice time demonstrates his commitment to his team and their playoff aspirations. The 76ers' ability to rally from a large deficit and secure the victory against a fellow playoff contender in the Hornets is a positive sign as they gear up for the postseason.